Differentiated reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle in unilateral labioplasty

Repair of the cleft lip aims to restore the normal anatomy. The most important step in treatment of unilateral deformities is the differential re-arrangement of muscle components to correct the insertion and reorientate the direction of their fibres. The three different components of the orbicularis oris muscle must be repaired independently, to permit each to function separately. After insertion of the nasal bundle into the anterior nasal spine, correction of the misdirected nasolabial bundle and end-to-end union of the deep fibres, better cosmetic and functional results were achieved.